1 Birdquest: Goa 2009

GOA

10 – 25 JANUARY 2009

TOUR REPORT

LEADER: HANNU JÄNNES

The third Birdquest tour to Goa again gave us a wonderful birding holiday by following ‘Easybird’ rules of our two previous tours. This gave us the chance to combine relaxation with quality birding in a near perfect climate, excellent food, and a good quality hotel with its own swimming pool. Our species total was 280, including two ‘heard onlys’, a few less than on previous tours, but still a respectable number for Goa. According to local bird guides the low number of species, noted by all birders visiting Goa in this winter, was due to an exceptionally late monsoon. However, including recent splits, we managed to see 34 of South India’s endemic, or near, endemic, species, and 51 of Birdquest’s special ‘diamond’ birds. Notable birds seen included such exciting species as Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Grey Junglefowl, Malabar Parakeet, White-bellied Woodpecker, Malabar Grey and Malabar Pied Hornbills, Blue-eared and Black-backed Dwarf Kingfishers, Malabar Trogon, a total of three well seen Indian Pittas, Malabar Barbet, Orange Minivet, Grey-headed, Flame-throated, White-browed and Yellow-browed Bulbuls, Malabar Whistling Thrush, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Dark-fronted Babbler, Small, Loten's and Vigors's Sunbirds plus widespread, but still very appealing, species like White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Red-headed Falcon, Grey-headed Lapwing, Small Pratincole, Orange-breasted Green-Pigeon, Speckled Piculet, Heart-spotted Woodpecker, White-naped Flameback, Jungle Owlet, Black-capped and Collared Kingfishers, White-rumped Shama, Paradise Flycatcher and Orange-headed Thrush. The Sri Lanka Frogmouth, with two very confiding roosting pairs at Backwoods, was voted as the bird of the trip, and although there was no vote for the most memorable birding experience of the tour, I'm sure that the boat trip along the Zuari river will be remembered by us all. An overnight flight took us to Dabolim airport in Goa arriving mid morning. After clearing immigration and customs, a very quick and smooth operation, and picking up our luggage, we were greeted by our drivers, who took us directly to our hotel at Arpora for lunch and well deserved rest. In the late afternoon we visited Baga fields for some introductory birding, and spent an enjoyable couple of hours watching some of the commoner local birds that included various egrets and herons, Black and Brahminy Kites, two Pintail Snipes, Red-wattled Lapwings, Temminck’s Stint, noisy groups of Plum-headed Parakeets, Pied and White-throated Kingfishers, Little-Green Bee-eaters, Indian Rollers, Hoopoe, Long-tailed Shrikes, Pied Bushchats, Siberian Stonechats, Zitting Cisticolas, noisy flocks of Rosy Starlings and Jungle and Common Mynas. We also managed to find two Red-collared Doves, a scarce bird in Goa, and Malabar Lark, our first South Indian endemic. However, bird of the day was a Red-headed Falcon, which perched in a leafless tree and showed well for

2 Birdquest: Goa 2009

several minutes. This handsome bird is difficult to see anywhere in India, but is a first class rarity in Goa. The next day we made an early start for Backwoods camp, right on the border of Bhagvan Mahavir NP, in the Sahyadri Hills which lie on the western side of the Ghats, our base for three nights. Birds seen around the camp ground during our first day included Malabar Parakeets, a roosting pair of Sri Lanka Frogmouths hiding in a clump of bamboo, a couple of Black-rumped and Greater Flamebacks, two fleeting glimpses of Heart-spotted Woodpeckers, two Grey-headed Bulbuls, several noisy groups of Yellow-browed Bulbuls, a few Square-tailed Black Bulbuls, Brown Shrike, Western Crowned Warbler, and several very vocal Small Sunbirds. We also had great views of an Indian Pitta, coming to a sewage ditch behind the camp’s kitchen building together with the more numerous Orange-headed Thrushes and Indian Blackbirds. The Brown Wood-Owl, which we spotlighted in the camp during the evening, was a real surprise even to our local guides, as it was the first time ever the species had been recorded around the camp. Other birding during our first day at Backwoods included both morning and afternoon visits to Tambdi Surla area, where we followed a small forest stream for a few kilometres to try and locate a special kingfisher. This we eventually managed in the form of a splendid, but rather shy, Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher. Other good birds seen during these lovely walks included a Forest Wagtail, which was atypically co-operative showing very well, a camouflaged Striated Heron, a Besra Sparrowhawk, several Paradise Flycatchers including a beautiful white male, Malabar Woodshrikes, two Malabar Trogons one of which was a very confiding recently fledged juvenile, Malabar Whistling Thrushes, Brown-breasted Flycatchers and a male Blue-headed Rock-Thrush. A sky-watching session from a clearing near the old Hindi temple later rewarded us with several Mountain Imperial Pigeons, a group of rather distant Brown-throated Needletails and two Indian White-rumped Spinetails. The next morning found us at a small village near Backwoods camp, where we spent some time scanning the treetops around the village. As this was only our second full day in India, there were lots of new birds to be seen including two Shikras, a pair of Loten's Sunbirds, both Thick-billed and Nilgiri Flowerpeckers, groups of cute Ashy Woodswallows, several Black-headed Cuckooshrikes, great views of Vernal Hanging Parrots feeding on bamboo seeds, excellent views of a Little Spiderhunter, a stunning male White-bellied Woodpecker, and four species of munia including twenty or so of the endemic Black-throated and four handsome Tricoloured, a very scarce bird in Goa. A short stop further down the road rewarded us with good views of Malabar Grey and Malabar Pied Hornbills, and a quick visit to a riverside forest produced rather brief views of a shy Brown Fish Owl. On the way back to camp and a late breakfast we spotted a White-naped Flameback, a write-in, and a new bird for the leader's Goa list! After breakfast we walked in the vicinity of the camp, where the star birds were a new pair of Sri Lanka Frogmouths (there are four different pairs around the camp), and another Indian Pitta. During the afternoon we visited several clearings and agricultural areas, where birds included a juvenile White-bellied Sea-Eagle, a distant Black Eagle, many Chestnut-headed Bee-eaters, two Brown-headed Barbets, and a group of Malabar White-headed Starlings. In the evening a short owling session around the Backwoods camp produced great views of an Oriental Scops Owl. For our third day at Backwoods priority was given to searching for the Blue-eared Kingfisher, which proved to be exceptionally hard to locate this time. Our kingfisher quest took us along a forest stream both in the morning and in the late afternoon, where we enjoyed many good birds including the only Crested Goshawk of the trip, two Black Eagles and one Rufous-bellied, numbers of confiding Grey-fronted Green Pigeons, our first really good views of Malabar Parakeets, many Indian White-rumped Spinetails and Crested Treeswifts with much better views than earlier on the trip, rather brief views of two female White-bellied Blue Flycatchers, tape responsive adult male Indian Blue Robin and Indian Scimitar Babbler (several more were heard only). Finally after spending large part of the day checking various parts of the forest stream, we located our main target bird the Blue-eared Kingfisher hiding in a large bush overhanging the stream only 50 meters from our vehicle! As it was now getting really

3 Birdquest: Goa 2009

dark our views were far from satisfactory, and we decided to come back the next morning for a better look. Our evening visit to the famous nightjar clearing wasn't very productive this year as we only had a glimpse of one unidentified nightjar. The next morning we were back at the kingfisher bush, where we finally obtained good views, and even some digital images, of the shy, but handsome, Blue-eared Kingfisher. We then birded the village area, where a bonus was great views of an Indian Giant Squirrel. After a delicious lunch at the camp, it was time to say goodbye to Backwoods, and its wonderful guides and support staff, who had taken such good care of us during our stay, and head back to the coast and our hotel. On the way we stopped briefly near an old meat factory, where a birding session under the scorching afternoon sun rewarded us with a sub-adult Steppe Eagle (a scarce bird in Goa), some White Wagtails, another scarce winter visitor to Goa, and Oriental Skylarks. Back at the hotel, whilst enjoying sundowners doing our bird list, we added Spotted Owlet, Black-crowned Night Heron and Alexandrine Parakeet to our steadily crowing bird list. The next day we were out before sunrise on a bushy hillside close to our hotel, where our first bird was Jerdon's Nightjar, which we heard and saw well in flight. This was followed by a good selection of common Goan birds including a magnificent pair of White-bellied Sea-Eagles, our first White-cheeked Barbet, lovely Small Minivets, Grey-headed Starlings, Indian Golden and Black-hooded Orioles, our first White-bellied Drongos, Common Woodshrike, restless White Spotted Fantails, White-browed Bulbuls bubbling noisily, half a dozen Gold-fronted Leafbirds, Indian Black Robins, and Indian Yellow Tit. In addition we heard two different Red Spurfowls and a Crested Hawk-Eagle calling. After a good breakfast at the famous Lila's Cafe, we visited Morjim beach, where among hundreds of Brown-headed Gulls and Steppe Gulls we managed to find a handful of Common Black-headed and Slender-billed Gulls, plus smart Lesser Crested and Gull-billed Terns. Waders noted included Lesser Sandplovers, 12 Eurasian Curlews and two Grey Plovers. On the way back to our hotel we stopped en route to watch a flock of four Yellow-wattled Lapwings that had been staked out by our drivers. After lunch and a siesta we paid a visit to the Siolim area where we soon found our main target, a wintering Grey-headed Lapwing, another Goan rarity and another new species for the leader's Goa list. This handsome bird was found in one of the marshes, and we also had 75 Asian Openbills, one Woolly-necked Stork, Greater Spotted Eagle, couple of Pale-billed Flowerpeckers and a Stork-billed Kingfisher there too. The next morning started with a walk at Dona Paula, a dry and bare highland area, where we had a total of 16 Yellow-wattled Lapwings, and a couple of Blyth's Pipits together with some Paddyfield Pipits giving us a very good opportunity to compare the plumage details and calls of these two confusingly similar species. After breakfast at a charming hotel in the middle of Panjim, we paid a short visit to the Santa Cruz area, where the best bird was a showy Indian Reed Warbler. Our afternoon program included a walk through Baga fields where we encountered, among other birds, a Black-winged Kite, an Osprey, two Booted Eagles, a Red-collared Dove, our first Tree Pipits together with some Blyth's, Paddyfield and Richard's Pipits, and our second Brown Shrike. Sunset saw us by the pool at the Beira Mar Hotel, where we had decent views of a Painted Snipe and Cinnamon Bittern. The next day we visited Carambolim lake, where the first hour of daylight was spent watching two Brown Hawk Owls and a cute Jungle Owlet. We also had great views of a male Black-hooded Oriole. Nearby wetlands held several Indian Shags and Oriental Darters, three Stork-billed Kingfishers, large numbers of egrets and Purple and Grey Herons, 45 Glossy and a couple of Black-headed Ibises, Pacific Golden Plovers, a few Temminck’s and Little Stints, and a Bluethroat. The lake itself had good numbers of noisy Lesser Whistling-Ducks, Cotton Teals including some attractive males, a few Northern Pintails, Garganeys, hundreds of Grey-headed Swamphens, some Common Moorhens and Eurasian Coots, many Pheasant and Bronze-winged Jacanas, and three Spot-billed Ducks, a scarce visitor to Goa. After our lunch break some of us took an afternoon stroll to Baga

4 Birdquest: Goa 2009

Hills, where the best bird was a male of the endemic Vigors's Sunbird with four other sunbird species seen also. In addition we had a selection of common Indian birds including three Indian Yellow Tits, a single Black-headed Cuckooshrike, and some Small Minivets, New day saw us at Divar Island, where we spent a large part of the morning scanning the vast open marshlands and walking the grasslands. Best birds here included six Lesser Adjutants, a new bird for us, a good flock of 50 Black-headed Ibises, both Pallid and Montagu's Harrier alongside the commoner Western Marsh Harriers, a group of 75 Little Ringed Plovers, 20 or so Greater Short-toed Larks, and Blyth's and Paddyfield Pipits. Walking through the grassland produced several Zitting Cisticolas and 15 Pintails Snipes, and we spent some time scanning a flock of 150 Baya Weavers hoping to find a Streaked Weaver, or some another Goan rarity, with them, but without success. On the way back to the hotel we stopped at Panjim Saltpans where we saw Western Reef Heron well, and good selection of waders including our first Terek Sandpipers, a single Whimbrel and 80 Small Pratincoles. In the afternoon we headed north to check the dry highland around Fort Chapora. As soon as we reached the view point on the top of the fort, we noticed that Morjim Beach on the opposite headland had many birds, including a skua we couldn't identify as it was too far distant. This triggered a rush to Morjim, where conditions were perfect for a lovely evening birding session with some very tame birds on view. First we concentrated our efforts on the skua, which proved to be an Arctic Skua, a seldom seen bird in Goa. A large concentration of roosting waders on the beach included good numbers of Kentish and Lesser Sand Plovers, 20 Greater Sand Plovers, Dunlins and Little Stints, plus a good flock of 134 roosting Small Pratincoles including some really co-operative photogenic individuals. The gull roost held 100 or so Steppe Gulls, two Heuglin's Gulls, 20 Great Black-headed (or Pallas's) Gulls, small numbers of Brown-headed Gulls, but relatively high number (50) of Common Black-headed Gulls, and over 200 Slender-billed Gulls, by far the highest number of this species the leader had ever seen in Goa. Also small numbers of Gull-billed and Lesser Crested Terns were seen, but unusually for the area all other species of terns were absent. The following day found us well before sunrise in the forests around Maem Lake. Things were pretty quiet at first, but after a patient wait we were rewarded with a good view of a pair of Orange-breasted Green Pigeons, followed by our first visual contact with Rufous Woodpecker. On the way back we hit the jackpot in the form of a diminutive Oriental Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher, giving us very close views. What a great sighting after the rather brief views at Backwoods. This skulking forest bird is often really difficult to find even at regular stake-outs, and seeing it as we did was a really amazing stroke of luck. After a rather poor breakfast at a local restaurant we hit the road again and headed for the Tikanem area for more birding. Best birds here included Short-toed Snake-Eagle, which is a scarce bird in Goa, two flight-only Rufous-tailed Larks, heard-only Slaty-breasted Rail and two Malabar Pied Hornbills. Everybody had enjoyed the previous evenings session at Morjim Beach so much that we decided to pay another afternoon visit to this lovely spot, which didn't produce any new species, but was still very enjoyable. Today we enjoyed an excellent day's birding at Bondla Nature Reserve. Best birds of a successful day included yet another (our third!) Indian Pitta hopping around in the open on a dry field, a rather distant White-eyed Buzzard, two Speckled Piculets having a territorial dispute, a flock of Orange Minivets finally showing well to all of us, a confiding White-rumped Shama, a species we had only heard previously, and finally a male Grey Junglefowl, which gave some really good views. Other interesting species included several Brown-headed Barbets, Velvet-fronted Nuthatches, two Little Spiderhunters, great views of Indian Golden and Black-hooded Orioles, our second Hair-crested Drongo, several Rufous Woodpeckers and Flame-throated Bulbuls, really great views of Grey-headed Bulbuls, our first and only Verditer Flycatcher, and two Blue-headed Rock-thrushes. In the evening, heading back to our rooms after dinner, we had a Barn Owl sitting on a ledge of the hotel building, hissing loudly at a cat.

5 Birdquest: Goa 2009

The next morning saw us back in Arpora forest, where we had an unexpected Brown Fish Owl, which gave much better views than the bird we had seen earlier at Backwoods. In addition we had brief flight views of two Large Cuckooshrikes and an Orange-breasted Green Pigeon. Then it was time for a last visit to Morjim beach, where a walk through some drier areas produced a Barred Buttonquail, two Brahminy Starlings, a species that has become very scarce in Goa in recent years, and a Bay-backed Shrike, a Goan rarity. Later we headed for Parsha, a large tidal bay with some marshes, mangroves and mudflats. Best birds here included ten Ruddy Shelducks, a Peregrine Falcon and several Terek Sandpipers. In the afternoon we walked through Baga fields and rounded up the day at the Beira Mar, where, whilst enjoying sundowners, we added a Ruddy-breasted Crake on our bird list. Our next to last morning was spent cruising on a motor boat along the Zuari river and its side channels, where we had great views of six species of kingfisher including several Black-capped and six Collared, taking our kingfisher total to a very respectable eight species. Other highlights included three Western Reef-Herons, Peregrine Falcon, 26 Great Crested Terns, lots of roosting egrets, a group of Dusky Crag Martins and a small Mugger Crocodile. After our pleasant three hour cruise, and some wader watching at Panjim Salt pans, it was time for culture in Old Goa, where we had a guided tour of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, where the incorrupt body of St Francis Xavier lies, dating back to 16th century. Then another sumptuous lunch at Lila's Cafe and some relaxation at the hotel, before more birding, which included a brief, and rather bird less, visit to Saligao spring, followed by a more productive visit to Aguada Fort, where we located a first-winter Red-breasted Flycatcher and some obliging Sykes’s Warblers. For our last full day in Goa we headed for the bird rich Carambolim area. Our walk thorough the fields and marshes produced good views of a Rufous-tailed Lark, a couple of Bluethroats, a huge flock of Baya Weavers, yet another Red-collared Dove and an interesting selection of various morphs of 'Yellow Wagtails' including birds showing the characters of Sykes’s, Grey-headed and Blue-headed Wagtails. Among the many waders present we spotted Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit and Spotted Redshank, which all were new for the trip. At the lake itself, among the thousands of commoner birds, new birds included Eurasian Teal, Comb Duck and Whiskered Tern. The afternoon and early evening were spent at Arpora Forest, our 'home patch', where a Crested Hawk Eagle was the highlight. After a delicious last evening meal together, it was time to begin our preparations for the long journey back to the cold and dark of the European winter!

6 Birdquest: Goa 2009

SYSTEMATIC LIST Species heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H). PODICIPEDIDAE Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis: A couple of birds at Carambolim lake, one on the way to Old

Goa and one at Morjim Beach. PHALACROCORACIDAE Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger: The commonest cormorant in Goa! Seen daily on the coastal

plains. Indian Shag (I Cormorant) Phalacrocorax fuscicollis: One to six birds were seen on five days at

Carambolim lake, Parsha, Tikanem, and along the Zuari river. ANHINGIDAE Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster: One to ten birds on six days at Carambolim lake, on Divar

Island, Tikanem, Parsha, and along the Zuari river. ARDEIDAE Little Egret Egretta garzetta: This widespread bird was seen almost daily in small numbers. Western Reef-Heron (W Reef-Egret) Egretta gularis: A total of seven including four at the Mandovi

river near Panjim and three at the Zuari river. Great Egret Egretta alba: Seen almost daily except in the Backwoods area and in Bondla. Our biggest

count was 50 along the Zuari river on the boat cruise. Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia: This common bird was seen almost daily on the coastal plains. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea: Small numbers were seen on seven days in suitable wetlands. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea: One to 10 birds were seen on nine days in suitable wetlands. Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus: The commonest egret in Goa! This species was seen

daily even in the Backwoods area. Indian Pond-Heron Ardeola grayii: This common bird was seen almost daily. Striated Heron (Little H) Butorides striata: This secretive species was seen in small numbers on five

days. Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax: Small numbers were seen on ten days including

close views of roosting birds along the Zuari river. Chestnut Bittern (Cinnamon B) Ixobrychus cinnamomeus: One bird was seen at Baga. CICONIIDAE Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans: A large flock of 75 at Siolim and a total of 15 at Carambolim

lake. In addition one was noted at the Zuari river. Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus: The largest group was 25 at Tikanem. In addition small

numbers (one to six birds) were seen on three days. Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus: Six on Divar Island, and two in flight at the Zuari river. It is

considered as Vulnerable by BirdLife International in “Threatened Birds of the World”. THRESKIORNITHIDAE Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus: A flock of 45 at Carambolim on our first visit and a singleton there on

our second visit. Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus: A flock of 50 on Divar Island and a scattered few

elsewhere. ANATIDAE Lesser Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna javanica: Hundreds at Carambolim Lake.

7 Birdquest: Goa 2009

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna tadorna: Ten at Parsha and seven at Carambolim on our second visit. Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos: Two at Carambolim lake on our second visit. Cotton Teal (C Pygmy-Goose) Nettapus coromandelianus: A maximum of 75 at Carambolim Lake,

and 15 at a small lake on the way to Old Goa. Indian Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha: Three at Carambolim lake on our first visit and one

there on our second visit. This is the first time this species has been recorded in Goa by a Birdquest group.

Northern Pintail Anas acuta: Two at Carambolim on our first visit. Garganey Anas querquedula: A maximum of 10 at Carambolim Lake. Eurasian Teal Anas crecca: Seven at Carambolim on our second visit. ACCIPITRIDAE Oriental Honey-Buzzard (Crested H-B) Pernis ptilorhyncus: Widely scattered records of one to five

birds on six days. Black-winged Kite (Black-shouldered K) Elanus caeruleus: Common and easy to see this year. A total

of 12 were seen. Black Kite Milvus migrans: Common and widespread near human inhabitation. Black-eared Kite Milvus lineatus: Small to moderate numbers of this recently split form were

identified on most days. Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus: Common and widespread near human inhabitation. White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster: A total of 25 individuals, including both juveniles

and adults, were seen at various sites. What an impressive bird! Short-toed Snake eagle Circaetus gallicus: One at Tikanem. Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilornis cheela: A total of eight birds were observed. Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus: Small numbers were seen daily on the coast and plains.

The commonest harrier in Goa. Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus: Handsome adult male was seen on Divar island. Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus: One first-winter bird was seen on Divar Island. Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus: One at Tambdi Surla was the only record of this forest

species. Shikra Accipiter badius: The commonest sparrowhawk in Goa, with small numbers noted almost

daily. According to Rasmussen and Anderton (The Ripley Guide, 2005), the Asiatic forms are probably better considered a separate species from African races, based on morphology and vocalisations. Stay tuned!

Besra Sparrowhawk Accipiter virgatus: One near Tamdi Surla. White-eyed Buzzard Butastur teesa: One rather distant perched bird was seen at Bondla. Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis: A total of three at Backwoods. Indian Spotted Eagle Aquila hastata: Very scarce this year. Only one first-winter bird was noted near

our hotel one afternoon. This form, breeding in India, has been separated recently from the Lesser Spotted Eagle, which breeds in eastern Europe and western Asia. Near-endemic as it is also recorded in Myanmar, although possibly only as a winter visitor.

Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga: A total of 16 birds were noted, including five at Santa Cruz. Considered as Vulnerable by BirdLife International in “Threatened Birds of the World”.

Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis: One between Backwoods and Arpora. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus: Small numbers were noted on 11 days, both on coastal plains and

in the forests further inland. Both colour morphs were recorded, but the dark morph seemed to be more common.

Rufous-bellied Eagle Hieraaetus kienerii: A singleton was noted on four days at Backwoods involving at least two different individuals as we saw both juvenile and adult birds.

Crested Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus: One was seen at Arpora on our last day. In addition few more territorial birds were heard. Endemic to Peninsular India and Sri Lanka.

8 Birdquest: Goa 2009

PANDIONIDAE Osprey Pandion haliaetus: A total of five birds were noted on nine days. FALCONIDAE Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus: Two birds were seen. Red-headed Falcon Falco chicquera: One at Baga fields on our first afternoon was a nice surprise. A

very rare bird in Goa. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus: One bird at Parsha and another one at the Zuari River. PHASIANIDAE Red Spurfowl Galloperdix spadicea (H): A couple of birds were heard at Arpora on both morning

visits, and one at Bondla. This species is endemic to Peninsular India. Grey Junglefowl Gallus sonneratii: Heard daily at Backwoods, but only sighted at Bondla where we

had great views of a single male. This species is endemic to Peninsular India. Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus: One to three birds were noted on six days. National bird of India! TURNICIDAE Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator: One at Morjim Beach. RALLIDAE White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus: Scattered records of small numbers. Slaty-breasted Rail Rallus striatus (H): One was heard on Divar Island and another one at Tikanem. Ruddy-breasted Crake Porzana fusca: One was seen rather briefly at Beira Mar in Baga. Grey-headed Swamphen (G-h Gallinule) Porphyrio poliocephalus: A common bird at Carambolim

Lake, where a maximum of 200 were estimated. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus: A total of six at Carambolim. Eurasian Coot (Common C) Fulica atra: Small numbers were noted at Carambolim. JACANIDAE Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus: 15 and 20 birds were noted at Carambolim. Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus: Highest count at Carambolim was 50 birds. In addition

eight were noted on the way to Old Goa. ROSTRATULIDAE Greater Painted-Snipe Rostratula benghalensis: A singleton was noted twice at Baga marsh. CHARADRIIDAE Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva: Four flocks of 6-20 birds were noted. Grey Plover (Black-bellied Plover) Pluvialis squatarola: Two birds were noted twice at Morjim. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius: A record number of 75 on Divar Island. Small numbers

elsewhere. Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus: Common at Morjim beach where 100 birds was the highest

estimate. In addition 10 birds were noted at Panjim saltpans. Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus: Common at Morjim beach where up to 200 birds were

seen. In addition 60 individuals at the saltpans near Panjim. Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaulti: Up to 20 birds were seen at Morjim beach. Yellow-wattled Lapwing Vanellus malabaricus: A group of four in a field between Morjim and

Arpora, 16 at Dona Paula and two at Fort Chapora. Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus: A wintering bird at Siolim was a nice write-in. Another

Goan rarity. Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus: A common bird, which was noted daily.

9 Birdquest: Goa 2009

SCOLOPACIDAE Pintail Snipe (Pin-tailed S) Gallinago stenura: A total of 28 birds, most of them on Divar Island, were

noted. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago: A total of 15 birds, most of them at Carambolim lake, were

seen. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa: A large flock of 75 birds near Carambolim lake. Eurasian Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus: One was seen at Panjim saltpans and another one was

heard on Divar Island the same day. Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata: A maximum of 12 were noted at Morjim beach. In addition a

few individuals were seen on Divar Island, at Panjim saltpans and at the Zuari river. Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus: Two were noted near Carambolim lake on our second visit. Common Redshank Tringa tetanus: Commonest ‘shank’ in Goa. Up to 50 birds were seen on eight

days. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia: Scattered records of small numbers. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis: Between one to ten birds were seen on five days. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus: Scattered records of small numbers. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola: 150 was counted at Carambolim on our second visit. Small

numbers elsewhere. Terek Sandpiper Tringa terek: 22 in total including eight at Morjim, six at Parsha and a maximum of

five at Panjim saltpans. Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos: Scattered records of small numbers. Little Stint Calidris minuta: A maximum of 30 was noted at Panjim saltpans and Carambolim lake.

Small numbers elsewhere. Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii: Scattered records of small numbers. Dunlin Calidris alpina: A maximum of five at Morjim and four at Panjim saltpans. Ruff Philomachus pugnax: 15 at Carambolim lake. Scarce bird in Goa. RECURVIROSTRIDAE Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus: A maximum count of 12 at Carambolim. Small numbers

elsewhere. GLAREOLIDAE Small Pratincole Glareola lacteal: Encountered in good numbers this year including 134 at Morjim

beach and 100 at Panjim saltpans. STERCORARIIDAE Arctic Skua (Parasitic Jaeger) Stercorarius parasiticus: One at Morjim beach in one afternoon was a

nice surprise. A scarce bird in Goa. LARIDAE Heuglin's Gull Larus heuglini: Three first-winter birds were identified at Morjim Beach. Steppe Gull Larus [heuglini] barabensis: A maximum of 500 birds at Morjim Beach. Based on recent

DNA studies this form is better placed in heuglini group rather than cachinnans group. Great Black-headed Gull (Pallas’s G) Larus ichthyaetus: This year surprisingly common at Morjim,

where 20 birds were noted on every visit. Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus: Hundreds at Morjim beach, and 200 at the Zuari river. Common Black-headed Gull (Black-headed G) Larus ridibundus: A maximum count of 100 at

Morjim beach. Slender-billed Gull Larus genei: A maximum of 200 birds were identified from the large gull roost at

Morjim beach. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica: Scattered records of small numbers. Lesser Crested Tern Thalasseus bengalensis: Small numbers were noted on each visit to Morjim. In

addition two were noted at the Zuari river.

10 Birdquest: Goa 2009

Great Crested Tern (Greater C T) Thalasseus bergii: 26 at the Zuari river. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida: One leader only bird at Caramabolin on our first visit, and then

two there by all of us on our second visit. COLUMBIDAE Rock Pigeon (R Dove) Columba livia: Common, seen almost daily. Red Collared-Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica: A total of four (three at Baga and one at Carambolim)

were noted. This is a scarce bird in Goa. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis: Common and widespread, small numbers were seen almost

daily. Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica: Rather scarce bird this year. One was seen briefly at Backwoods

and five more were heard. Orange-breasted Green-Pigeon Treron bicinctus: Two, a handsome pair, at Mayem lake and one

male at Arpora. Grey-fronted Green-Pigeon Treron affinis: Up to 20 birds were noted at Backwoods, Bondla and at

the Zuari river. Following the recent splits in the Pompadour Green Pigeon complex this form has become endemic to southern India.

Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia: Up to 12 birds a day at Tamdi Surla. PSITTACIDAE Vernal Hanging-Parrot Loriculus vernalis: Common bird in the Backwoods area and at Bondla

including many well seen perched birds, which is unusual. Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria: Small numbers of this large and noisy parakeet were noted

on eight days. Rose-ringed Parakeet (Ring-necked P) Psittacula krameri: Scattered records of small numbers. Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala: This beautiful parakeet was seen in small to

moderate numbers on 11 days. Endemic to Indian Subcontinent. Malabar Parakeet Psittacula columboides: Good numbers, with some brilliant views at Backwoods.

Endemic to Western Ghats. CUCULIDAE 'Southern' Coucal Centropus [sinensis] parroti: Scattered records of small numbers. Endemic to South

India and Sri Lanka if the split proposed by Rasmussen and Anderton (The Ripley Guide, 2005) is accepted.

Asian Koel (Common K) Eudynamys scolopacea: This common bird was observed almost daily. TYTONIDAE Common Barn-Owl (Barn O) Tyto alba: At least two noisy birds were noted behind our hotel

building on several occasions. STRIGIDAE Oriental Scops-Owl Otus sunia: One was seen well and a few more heard at Backwoods. Brown Fish-Owl Ketupa zeylonensis: One bird was seen briefly in flight at Backwoods and another

one at Arpora forest. Brown Wood-Owl Strix leptogrammica: One bird was seen at Backwoods camp. Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum: One birds was seen well near Carambolim lake, and few more

were heard elsewhere. Endemic to Indian Subcontinent. Spotted Owlet Athene brama: A total of twelve, with some good views, were noted. Brown Hawk-Owl (B Boobook) Ninox scutulata: Two roosting birds were seen well near

Carambolim lake. In addition at least three were heard at Backwoods camp and one at Bondla.

11 Birdquest: Goa 2009

PODARGIDAE Ceylon Frogmouth (Sri Lanka Frogmouth) Batrachostomus moniliger: Two different pairs roosting in

a dense clump of bamboo were seen extremely well in the middle of the day at Backwoods. This South Indian and Sri Lankan endemic was later voted as the bird of the trip.

CAPRIMULGIDAE Jerdon’s Nightjar Caprimulgus atripennis: Several birds were seen well in flight and heard at Arpora

forest. Endemic to South India and Sri Lanka. Thomas Claverhill Jerdon (1811-1872) was a British physician who had both zoological and botanical interests. He worked as an assistant-surgeon in the East India Company and published, among other things, Birds of

India, which according to Darwin was THE book on Indian birds. APODIDAE Indian White-rumped Spinetail (White-rumped Needletail) Zoonavena sylvatica: A total of 16, with

some very nice views, at Tamdi Surla area. Brown-throated Needletail (Brown-backed N) Hirundapus giganteus: Rather distant views of a group

of six at Tambdi Surla for some of us. Asian Palm-Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis: Groups of up to 20 birds were seen on six days. Pacific Swift (Fork-tailed S) Apus pacificus: Decent views of one at Tikanem and a group of three on

Divar Island. Little Swift Apus affinis: Widespread and abundant species, which was seen almost daily. HEMIPROCNIDAE Crested Treeswift Hemiprocne coronata: Small numbers with some nice flight views were seen on

six days. TROGONIDAE Malabar Trogon Harpactes fasciatus: A total of four birds, including some really great views of a

juvenile and it's parent, in the Backwoods area, and one at Bondla. It is endemic to India and Sri Lanka. Malabar is a region of southern India, lying between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. The name is thought to be derived from the Malayalam word Mala (Hill) and Persian word Bar (Kingdom). This part of India was originally a part of the British East India company controlled Madras State, when it was designated as Malabar District. It included the northern half of the state of Kerala and some coastal regions of present day Karnataka. Malabar is also used by ecologists to refer to the tropical moist forests of southwestern India (present day Kerala).

ALCEDINIDAE Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis: Small numbers were seen almost daily. Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting: We found this shy kingfisher of small forest streams near

Tamdi Surla temple after some pretty hard searching. Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher Ceyx erithaca: The first one was located by our local guide near

Tambdi Surla. Another one was found by ourselves at Mayem lake. A true jewel of the small forest streams!

Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis: One to eight birds were observed on eight days. White-throated Kingfisher (W-breasted K) Halcyon smyrnensis: This common, widespread and vocal

kingfisher was observed daily. Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata: This amazingly colourful bird was observed along the

Zuari river, where a total of six birds were seen from the boat. Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris: A total of six of this handsome kingfisher were encountered

from the boat along the Zuari river.

12 Birdquest: Goa 2009

Lesser Pied Kingfisher (Pied K) Ceryle rudis: Scattered records of small numbers. MEROPIDAE Little Green Bee-eater (Green B-e) Merops orientalis: Common and widespread in open agricultural

areas. Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus: Less common than the previous species, but still relatively

abundant. Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti: This delightful small forest bee-eater was observed

in small numbers in the Backwoods area. In addition a singleton was at Bondla. CORACIIDAE Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis: This colourful and widespread species was observed almost

daily. UPUPIDAE Common Hoopoe (Eurasian H) Upupa epops: Small numbers were encountered on five days. BUCEROTIDAE Malabar Grey Hornbill Ocyceros griseus: Small numbers were seen daily in the Backwoods area

and one was heard at Bondla. This species is endemic to South India. Malabar Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros coronatus: Nine birds were observed in the Backwoods area

and two at Tikanem. This species is endemic to South India and Sri Lanka. CAPITONIDAE Brown-headed Barbet Megalaima zeylanica: Two birds were seen near Backwoods one evening and

a total of three, including some great views, were at Bondla. White-cheeked Barbet Megalaima viridis: This widespread southern Indian endemic was noted

(mostly heard) on eight days. Malabar Barbet Megalaima malabarica: This South Indian endemic was observed in the Backwoods

area only, where up to six birds were noted daily. Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala: This widespread barbet was observed on nine days. PICIDAE Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus: This minuscule woodpecker is usually difficult to find, but

we had really great prolonged views of two calling birds at Bondla. Indian Pygmy Woodpecker (Brown capped P W) Dendrocopos nanus: One was seen briefly near

Backwoods and a second one at Bondla. Endemic to Indian Subcontinent. Rufous Woodpecker Micropternus brachyurus: A total of five birds were seen and four more heard. White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis: Great views of a male near Backwoods. Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense: Small numbers were noted on nine days. Endemic

to Indian Subcontinent. Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidus: A total of six at Backwoods including some nice views,

and three at Bondla. White-naped Flameback Chrysocolaptes festivus: A singleton near Backwoods was a nice surprise.

This species is endemic to Indian Subcontinent. Heart-spotted Woodpecker Hemicircus canente: A total of five were noted in the Backwoods area. PITTIDAE Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura: One confiding bird was seen extremely well behind the kitchen building

at Backwoods camp, and another one was nearby at the elephant camp. In addition we had one well behaving bird at Bondla. It is endemic to Indian Subcontinent.

13 Birdquest: Goa 2009

ALAUDIDAE Rufous-tailed Lark Ammomanes phoenicura: We had good views of one near Carambolim lake. In

addition two were seen in flight only at Tikanem. Endemic to Indian Subcontinent. Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla: A flock of 20 birds was seen on Divar Island. Malabar Lark Galerida malabarica: This South Indian endemic was seen in small numbers on seven

days. Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula: Small numbers were noted on five days. HIRUNDINIDAE Dusky Crag-Martin Ptyonoprogne concolor: A group of six individuals of this dark 'bridge loving'

martin was seen at the Zuari river. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica: Relatively common and widespread. Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii: Widespread in small numbers. Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica: This is the commonest swallow in Goa. Streak-throated Swallow (Indian Cliff S) Hirundo fluvicola: This species was noted on eleven days,

maximum counts being 50 at Carambolim and on Divar Island. Northern House-Martin (Common H-M) Delichon urbicum: Small numbers were encountered on

five days. MOTACILLIDAE Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus: Two in the Backwoods area including some really great

views, and one in flight only at Bondla. White Wagtail Motacilla [alba] alba: Three near Merck Meat factory. This is a scarce bird in Goa. White-browed Wagtail Motacilla madaraspatensis: Scattered records of small numbers in the coastal

areas. Sykes's Wagtail Motacilla [flava] beema: Six on the way between Mayem lake and Tikanem, and one

at Carambolim on our second visit. Only males attaining breeding plumage were identified.

Grey-headed Wagtail Motacilla [flava] thunbergi: A total of five males showing the characters of this form were noted at Carambolim. In addition several unidentified ‘western yellow wagtails’ were observed.

Blue-headed Wagtail Motacilla [flava] flava: One male showing the characters of this form at Carambolim on our second visit.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea: One to four birds were observed on five days. Richard’s Pipit Anthus richardi: Seen in small numbers on six days. This species was named by

Vieillot in 1818 after Monsieur Richard of Luneville, a French naturalist and collector. Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus: Small numbers were seen on seven days. Blyth’s Pipit Anthus godlewskii: Two birds were noted at Dona Paula, Baga and on Divar Island.

This pipit was named by Taczanowski in 1876 after Edward Blyth (1810-1873), an English zoologist and author, who worked as a Curator of the Museum of the Asiatic Society of Bengal from 1842 to 1864.

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis: Small numbers of this winter visitor were observed at Baga and Carambolim lake.

CAMPEPHAGIDAE Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei: Two calling birds were seen in flight only at Arpora forest. Black-headed Cuckooshrike Coracina melanoptera: Ten birds were noted. Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus: Up to ten of this delightful little bird were noted on six

days. Orange Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus: Scarce this year. We had a total of six at Bondla, and there

was a leader-only pair at Backwoods. It is endemic to peninsular India and Sri Lanka.

14 Birdquest: Goa 2009

Pied Flycatcher-Shrike (Bar-winged F-S) Hemipus picatus: A total of five near Backwoods, three at Arpora forest and two at Bondla.

Malabar Woodshrike Tephrodornis sylvicola: Group of four was seen at Backwoods. In addition one was heard at Bondla. It is endemic to Peninsular India.

Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus: Group of four at Arpora. MONARCHIDAE Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi: Small numbers, including some stunning white

males, in the well forested areas. Black-naped Blue Monarch (Black-naped M) Hypothymis azurea: This relatively scarce forest bird

was encountered in small numbers on four days. White-spotted Fantail (Spot-breasted F) Rhipidura albogularis: Small numbers were encountered on

five days. It is endemic to Peninsular India. PYCNONOTIDAE Grey-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus priocephalus: This secretive forest bulbul is more often heard than

seen, but we had really great views at Bondla. All and all we observed a total 23 birds on eight days. It is endemic to South India.

Flame-throated Bulbul (Ruby-throated B) Pycnonotus gularis: This beautiful forest bulbul was observed in small numbers at Backwoods and in Bondla. It is endemic to South India.

Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus: The commonest bulbul in Goa, seen almost daily. Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer: Another common bulbul, which was seen on ten days. White-browed Bulbul Pycnonotus luteolus: This skulking but noisy species of bushy hillsides was

observed in small numbers on seven days. It is endemic to South India and Sri Lanka. Yellow-browed Bulbul Iole indica: This beautiful and vocal forest species, endemic to South India

and Sri Lanka, was seen daily at Backwoods. Square-tailed Black Bulbul Hypsipetes ganeesa: Noted daily in small numbers in the

Backwoods/Tamdi Surla area. Following the recent splitting of Black Bulbul, this form becomes endemic to South India and Sri Lanka.

AEGITHINIDAE Common Iora Aegithina tiphia: Scattered records of small numbers. CHLOROPSEIDAE Gold-fronted Leafbird (Golden-fronted L) Chloropsis aurifrons: Half a dozen, with some great views,

on both morning visits to Arpora forest. LANIIDAE Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus: One bird was seen twice at Baga and one was at Backwoods. Bay-backed Shrike Lanius vittatus: One at Morjim Beach was a good record. A rarity in Goa! Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach: This handsome shrike was seen almost daily in small numbers. TURDIDAE Orange-headed Thrush Zoothera citrina: Good numbers, including some really tame birds, at

Backwoods. Scattered few elsewhere. This is the Peninsular Indian subspecies cyanota,

which shows the black tear-drop pattern. Indian Blackbird (Nilgiri B) Turdus simillimus: Common and tame at Backwoods. In addition one

was noted at Arpora. Endemic to Peninsular India and Sri Lanka. Malabar Whistling-Thrush Myophonus horsfieldii: Ten were noted in the Backwoods area. In

addition two birds were at Mayem lake and at Bondla. It is endemic to South India.

15 Birdquest: Goa 2009

MUSCICAPIDAE Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica: One bird at Bharabhum school near Backwoods. Brown-breasted Flycatcher Muscicapa muttui: This forest flycatcher was seen well at Backwoods on

several occasions. Red-throated Flycatcher (Taiga F) Ficedula albicilla: One bird was noted near Backwoods. Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva: One first-winter bird was seen at Fort Aguada. Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus: One bird at Bondla. White-bellied Blue Flycatcher Cyornis pallipes: Two females were seen briefly near Tambdi Surla. It

is endemic to South India. Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae: Scattered few including some very showy birds at

Backwoods. Blue-headed Rock-Thrush (Blue-capped R-T) Monticola cinclorhynchus: One gorgeous male at

Backwoods, and two females at Bondla. Bluethroat Luscinia svecica: A total of three birds were noted. Indian Blue Robin Luscinia brunnea: One adult male was seen at Backwoods. Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis: Widespread with small numbers observed almost daily. White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus: Great views of two at Bondla. In addition it was

heard in the Backwoods area. Indian Black Robin (Indian R) Saxicoloides fulicata: Scattered records of small numbers in drier areas.

It is endemic to Indian Subcontinent. Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maura: Common in dry agricultural areas. Between two and fifteen birds

were seen on eight days. Pied Bushchat (P Stonechat) Saxicola caprata: Scattered records of small numbers. TIMALIIDAE Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps: This subtly handsome forest bird was noted on seven

days. The one living around the kitchen hut at the Backwoods camp offered some really great views.

Indian Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus horsfieldii: We heard several birds in the Tambdi Surla area, and managed to see one bird quite well. In addition one pair was heard at Maem lake. This species is endemic to Peninsular India.

Dark-fronted Babbler Rhopocichla atriceps: We had several encounters with this lovely little bird in the Backwoods area and at Bodla. It is endemic to South India and Sri Lanka.

Jungle Babbler Turdoides striata: Small flocks were noted on six days. Brown-cheeked Fulvetta Alcippe poioicephala: This nondescript, but noisy babbler, was observed in

small numbers on 11 days. SYLVIIDAE Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis: Small numbers were observed on five days on dry agricultural

fields. Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii: This forest prinia was seen in small numbers on five days. Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis: A scattered few. Plain Prinia Prinia inornata: Small numbers were recorded on seven days. Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius: Widespread in small numbers. Blyth’s Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum: The commonest reed-warbler in Goa, which was

observed on 11 days. Indian Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus brunnescens: This large reed-warbler was noted on four days. Sykes’s Warbler Hippolais rama: Three well behaving birds at Fort Aguada one afternoon. Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides: This species was observed in small numbers on seven

days. It is easiest to separate from Bright-green Warbler on its disyllabic (contra trisyllabic) call. It also seems to prefer drier habitat than the following species, but they do exist side by side too.

16 Birdquest: Goa 2009

Bright-green Warbler (Green W) Phylloscopus nitidus: This form, which is lumped with Greenish Warbler by some authors, was noted almost daily.

Western Crowned Warbler Phylloscopus occipitalis: Ten birds were observed in the Backwoods area and one at Bondla.

PARIDAE Indian Yellow Tit Parus aplonotus: One bird at Arpora and three on Baga Hills. It is endemic to

Peninsular India. SITTIDAE Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis: This beautiful nuthatch was seen at Backwoods and at

Bondla. DICAEIDAE Thick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile: We recorded this flowerpecker in small numbers on nine

days in various forest areas. Pale-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum erythrorhynchos: This species, which prefers lowland gardens

and orchards, was noted on six days. Nilgiri Flowerpecker Dicaeum concolor: Small numbers were noted on nine days. Following the

split from the northern Plain Flowerpecker, this form becomes a South Indian endemic. The Nilgiri (literally Blue Mountains), often referred to as the Nilgiri Hills, are a range of mountains with at least 24 peaks above 2,000 meters, in the westernmost part of Tamil Nadu at the junction of Karnataka and Kerala in Southern India. They are part of the larger Western Ghats mountain chain.

NECTARINIIDAE Purple-rumped Sunbird Leptocoma zeylonica: Noted in small numbers almost daily. It prefers

lowland gardens, especially those with coconut trees. Endemic to Indian Subcontinent. Small Sunbird (Crimson-backed S) Leptocoma minima: This very small and delightful sunbird was

common around Backwoods camp and at Bondla. Small numbers were noted elsewhere. It is endemic to South India.

Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus: Small numbers were noted on most days. Loten’s Sunbird (Long-billed S) Cinnyris lotenius: This South Indian and Sri Lankan endemic was

observed in small numbers at Backwoods, Carambolim lake, and Baga Hill. Johan Gideon Loten (1710-1789) was the Dutch Governor of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). As an amateur naturalist he attempted the first systematic documentation of Ceylon's birdlife. He collected many specimens of birds, but since they proved difficult to preserve, coloured drawings of the birds were made. He did not use binomial scientific names and this meant that the birds illustrated in his work remained unnamed and hence unknown to science until others identified them after his death.

Vigors’s Sunbird (Western Crimson S) Aethopyga vigorsii: One male on Baga Hills. This recently split southern form is endemic to west-central India. It has been named after Nicholas Aylward Vigors (1785-1840), who acted as the Secretary of the Zoological Society of London in 1826, and was later the editor of their journal. He named several bird species.

Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostris: A total of five with some exceptionally good views near Backwoods.

FRINGILLIDAE Common Rosefinch (Scarlet R) Carpodacus erythrinus: A total of 26 were noted, all in the

Backwoods area.

17 Birdquest: Goa 2009

ESTRILDIDAE White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata: This common and widespread species was noted almost

daily. Black-throated Munia Lonchura kelaarti: Good numbers in the Backwoods area. This species is

endemic to peninsular India and Sri Lanka. Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata: This very handsome munia was noted on four days. Tricoloured Munia (Black-headed M) Lonchura malacca: A group of four near Backwoods was a

good find. This species is endemic to peninsular India and Sri Lanka. PLOCEIDAE House Sparrow Passer domesticus: Small numbers were seen on five days. Yellow-throated Sparrow (Chestnut-shouldered Petronia) Petronia xanthocollis: Relatively common in

the Backwoods area. In addition two were noted at the Zuari river. Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus: A large group of 150 birds on Divar Island and a flock of 300 at

Carambolim on our second visit. STURNIDAE Grey-headed Starling (Chestnut-tailed S) Sturnia malabarica: This species of agricultural areas was

seen in small numbers on seven days. Malabar White-headed Starling (Blyth’s S) Sturnia blythii: This forest living starling was noted at

Backwoods, where we had great views of a flock of 25 birds. It is endemic to South India. Brahminy Starling Temenuchus pagodarum: Two birds at Morjim beach. This species is becoming

increasingly scarce in Goa. Rosy Starling (Rose-coloured S) Sturnus roseus: Flocks of up to 170 birds were seen on six days. Common Myna Acridotheres tristis: Only small numbers were encountered. Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus: This is the common myna of Goa. It was seen in good numbers on

most days. ORIOLIDAE Indian Golden Oriole Oriolus kundoo: Up to 20 birds were seen almost daily. Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus: This beautiful forest bird was noted in small numbers on

nine days. IRENIDAE Asian Fairy-Bluebird Irena puella: Small numbers were seen daily at Backwoods. In addition one was

heard at Bondla. DICRURIDAE Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus: This common bird of agricultural areas was seen almost daily. Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus: This garden and forest bird was seen in small numbers on most

days. White-bellied Drongo Dicrurus caerulescens: A total of five birds were noted. Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus: This handsome forest drongo was seen in small numbers in the

Backwoods area, at Bondla, Maem lake and Arpora forest. Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus: Small numbers were seen at Backwoods and

Bondla. What an amazing bird! ARTAMIDAE Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus: Small numbers were seen on eight days.

18 Birdquest: Goa 2009

CORVIDAE Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda: Small numbers on five days, including some really good

views. House Crow Corvus splendens: Common outside large forested areas. Indian Jungle Crow Corvus culminatus: Common in and near forested areas. This recently split form

is endemic to Peninsular India and Sri Lanka. MAMMALS Indian Giant Squirrel Ratufa indica: Three individuals of this beautiful creature were seen at

Backwoods. Indian Palm Squirrel (Three-striped P S) Funambulus palmarum: This species, which has a

confusingly bird-like call, was observed on nine days. Small Indian Mongoose Herpestes auropunctatus: A total of five were noted. Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus: Noted on three days including ten at a roost along the Zuari

river. Southern Plains Grey Langur Semnopithecus dussumieri: Small numbers at scattered places. Bonnet Macaque Macaca radiata: Small numbers at Backwoods. Chital (Spotted Deer, Axis Deer) Axis axis: Seven at Bondla. Common Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermafroditus: One at Backwoods. REPTILES Mugger (Marsh Crocodile) Crocodylus palustris: One at Carambolim and one from the boat along the

Zuari river. Chequered Keelback: One was seen swimming in the stream at Tambdi Surla. Identified by our local

guide Leio. Whittaker's Boa: One was seen early in the morning at Backwoods camp. Identified by our local

guide Leio. Bengal (Common Indian) Monitor Varanus bengalensis: One was seen by the leader only at our

hotel.

!"#$%&'()*+,-.(/+ 0123-455,1'#""5'

!"6+&2+#,+,-75$%&829612 :5;;+91<(/2-!#9=+/

>),(#)-?(//# !"6+&+#9+,-.()*@(12+9

>),(#)-!"#$%=(9, A<#""-?9#/()$5"+-B=+"5'C D9#)*+&2+#,+,-829612

:+3"5)-E95*<56/2 !"#$%&=#$%+,-F'#9@-.()*@(12+9

G9+#/+9-7#$%+/&/#("+,-F95)*5 H(//"+-G9++)-!++&+#/+9 7+,&2+#,+,-E#"$5)

I#"#=#9-895*5) 4(9+&/#("+,-A'#""5'

?69;"+-J+95) K+9)#"-J#)*()*-?#995/

G9+#/+9-A#),-?"5L+9